Previewing The Masters Golf Tourney

Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament Billy Payne has made an announcement regarding the changes that have been made to the grounds and the golf course for the 2009 Masters.
Payne indicated that the Masters Tournament officials were very excited about the progress made over the summer, with the construction of additional parking and other Tournament support facilities, which are part of our long range plans.”
Changes include approximately 4,500 more parking spaces located west of Berckmans Road. Significant progress has also been made toward the completion of the new state of the art practice facility, which will be ready for the 2010 Masters. The new tournament first aid and security facilities are now completed.
In keeping with the yearly Masters’ tradition, Payne said that they made an evaluation of the golf course and made refinements that they thought were necessary. This year, only minor changes were implemented and all were made in order to provide greater flexibility in the event of adverse weather conditions, which we have experienced the last couple of years.”
Hole No. 1: Back of tee reduced 7 yards to improve patron circulation between the tee and the practice putting green. Tee marker relocated and Masters scorecard changed from 455 yards to 445 yards. Green rebuilt for agronomic reasons and a heating and cooling system installed.
Hole Nos. 5 and 6: Greens rebuilt for agronomic reasons and heating and cooling systems installed.
Hole No. 7: Significant landscaping completed on the rear of the tee to reforest a large area which was left open due to the removal of a tournament storage building in 2005. An additional 10 yards added to the front of the tee without necessitating a change in length to the hole.
Hole No. 15: 8-9 yards added to the front of the tee, and a couple of trees removed on the right side of the fairway. Scorecard yardage remained 530 yards.